Kurukshetra Member of Parliament (MP) Naveen Jindal on Wednesday raised the issue regarding the serious health risks posed by refined seed oils and ultra-processed foods during the ongoing session in Lok Sabha.
Jindal said that there is a need for greater transparency, stricter regulations, and consumer awareness to ensure public health and well-being.
“Studies show that repeated refining processes destroy essential nutrients and introduces harmful trans fats, significantly increasing the risk of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. These highly industrialised food products contain excessive preservatives, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats, contributing to rising health issues,” he said.
The lawmaker also highlighted that due to misleading packaging and the absence of transparent labeling regarding processing methods and harmful ingredients, many consumers remain unaware of what they are eating.
He urged the government to introduce stricter food labeling laws, requiring manufacturers to clearly mention whether a product contains refined seed oils or falls under the ultra-processed category. He also said that a White Paper on the long-term effects of these food products, citing the urgent need for scientific research and data-backed policy decisions, should be introduced.